THE KIGALI HFC AMENDMENT TO THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL
The 28th Meeting of the Parties (MOP28) to the Montreal Protocol, held in Kigali, Rwanda, has adopted an amendment for a global cap and reduction for HFC consumption and production on a GWP-weighted basis.
The amendment involves a three-step approach, differentiating firstly developed countries (with some delays for countries from the Russian Federation), secondly most of the developing countries, and thirdly a group of developing countries presenting a High Ambient Temperature (HAT).
Developed countries will start the HFC phase down in 2019, reaching 85% reduction (based on 2011-2013 level) by 2036. Most developing countries will freeze their consumption by 2024, reaching 80% reduction (based on 2020-2022 level) by 2045.A third group, lead by India **, have agreed a freeze by 2028, reaching 80% reduction (based on 2024-2026 level) by 2047.
** Group 2: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, India, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan
Other agreements should cover:
Standards
Parties are expected to work towards ensuring global industry standards enable the safe introduction of low-GWP alternatives to HFCs. Energy Efficiency
Parties are expected to agree a way forward to maximize energy efficiency in the transition out of HFCs.
Source : EFCTC Position and Cooling Post
Note : EFCTC notes that the global warming impact of HFC emissions worldwide is currently estimated to represent less than 2% of that from all greenhouse gases emissions.